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A VIE  W 


OR 


EXERTIONS  LATELY  MADE 

, « J u . t 1 % ~ 


FOR  THE  ,PLT»POSB  OP 


C O I.  O N I Z I N G 


THE 


FREE  PEOPLE  OF  COLOUR, 


THE  TTNITED  STATES,  IN  Af'RIG.V, 


«R  ELSEWHERE. 


CtTV  OF  WASHINGTON. 

Piinfed  Ry  Jonathan  Elliot,  Pennsylvania  Avclnfe: 

i8ir. 


A VIEW,  &c. 


THE  present  age  witnesses  numerous  and  unexpected  changes, 
and  it  is  peculiarly  grateful  to  the  benevolent  man  to  notice  among 
these  changes  many  which  are  ominous  of  good.  As  a traveller, 
wearied  with  the  roughness  and  barrenness  of  the  region  he  has  past, 
enjoys  the  scenery  of  a cultivated  and  luxuriant  country;  so  the  phi- 
lanthropist, distressed  with  the  confusion  and  misery  which  pervade 
many  portions  of  the  world,  may  still  fix  his  attention  on  those  favor- 
able occurrences  in  Divine  Providence,  and  contemplate  with  pecu- 
liar pleasure  the  rising  glory  of  the  kingdom  of  Christ,  and  the  pre- 
valence of  that  religion  which  proclaims  peace  on  earth  and  good 
will  to  men.’’ 

The  success  which  attends  charitable  and  benevolent  societies, 
has  in  many  instances  surpassed  the  expectations  even  of  their 
friends  and  patrons.  And  whether  the  public  are  encouraged  and 
gratified  with  the  success  of  past  exertions,  or  whether  they  are  a- 
larraed  and  excited  by  the  miseries  which  thousands  feel,  and  in 
which  other  thousands  sympathize,  it  is  but  just  to  acknowledge  that 
there  exists  an  unusual  sensibility  and  desire  to  aid  the  cause  of  hu- 
manity and  religion.  The  tone  of  public  feeling  is  elevated.  If  any 
sufficient  object  can  be  assigned  for  benevolent  exertion,  and  can  be 
enforced  by  any  sufficient  reasons,  it  will  scarcely  fail  to  receive  all 
deserved  approbation  and  support. 

Influenced  by  these  considerations,  the  following  view  of  exer- 
tions lately  made  for  colonizing  free  people  of  colour,  is  presented  to 
the  public. 

It  is  already  known  that  the  attention  of  many  intelligent  men 
in  the  United  States  has  been  recently  turned  with  peculiar  force  and 
a corresponding  zeal  and  spirit  of  perseverance  to  this  subject.  Some 
very  important  preparatory  steps  to  such  a measure  have  been  ta- 
ken. Soon  after  the  commencement  of  the  present  session  of  Con- 
gress the  expediency  of  colonizing  free  people  of  colour  became  a 
subject  of  consideration  with  many  gentlemen  of  respectability  from 
the  different  states.  The  propriety  of  such  a measure  could  it  be 
carried  into  effect,  was  generally  admitted.  It  was  thought  that  a 
design  of  such  importance  so  intimately  connected  with  the  best  in- 
terest of  the  citizens  of  the  U.  States,  and  promising  at  the  same  time 
to  improve  and  meliorate  the  state  of  that  class  of  the  community  for 
whom  provision  was  to  be  made,  should  not  be  abandoned  without 
a vigorous  and  a thorough  efftfrt  to  carry  it  into  execution.  * 
The  formation  of  a colonization  society  was  therefore  proposed. 
Many  were  led  the  more  readily  to  approve  of  an  institution  of  this 
kind,  from  a knowledge  that  this  subject  occupies  the  attention  of 
many  worthy  citizens  in  different  states  ; but  particularly  from  the 


4 

<ijonsideration  which  had  been  bestowed  upon  it  by  the  legislature  dl 
a highly  respectable  sister  state  (Virginia.)  As  the  following  pre- 
amble and  resolution  were  approved  by  the  House  of  Delegates  of 
that  state,  previous  to  the  first  meeting  for  the  formation  of  the  Ame- 
rican colonization  society,  it  will  be  proper  to  introduce  them  in  this 
place,  as  they  w^ere  afterwards  amended  by  the  Senate  and  adopted. 

Whereas  the  General  Assembly  of  Virginia  have  repeatedly 
sought  to  obtain  an  asylum,  beyond  the  limits  of  the  United  States, 
for  such  persons  of  color,  as  had  been,  or  might  be,  emancipated  un- 
der the  laws  of  this  commonwealth,  but  have  hitherto  found  all  their 
efforts  frustrated,  either  by  the  disturbed  state  of  other  nations,  or 
domestic  causes  equally  iinpropitious  to  its  success : 

They  now  avail  themselves  of  a period  when  peace  has  healed 
the  wounds  of  humanity,  and  the  principal  nations  of  Europe  have 
eoncurred,  wdth  the  government  of  the  U.  States,  in  abolishing  the 
African  slave  trade,  (a  traffic,  which  this  commonwealth,  both  be- 
fore and  since  the  revolution,  zealously  sought  to  terminate)  to  re- 
new this  effort;  and  do  therefore  resolve,  that  the  executive  be  re- 
quested to  correspond  with  the  President  of  the  United  States  for  the 
purpose  of  obtaining  a territory  on  the  coast  of  Africa,  or  some  other 
place,  hot  within  any  of  the  states  or  territorial  governments  of  the 
United  States,  to  serve  as  an  asylum  for  such  persons  of  colour,  as 
are  now  free,  and  may  desire  the  same,  and  for  those  who  may  be 
hereafter  emancipated  within  this  commonwealth;  and  that  the 
Senators  and  Representatives  of  tliis  State  in  the  Congress  of  the 
United  States,  be  requested  to  exert  their  best  efforts  to  aid  the  Pre- 
sident of  the  U.  States  in  the  attainment  of  the  above  object:  Pro- 
vided, that  no  contract  or  arrangement  respecting  such  territory  shall 
be  obligatory  on  this  commonwealth  until  ratified  by  the  Legislature.” 

Believing  that  the  Legislature  of  Virginia  had  entered  upon  this 
subject  wdth  a spirit  and  a determination  to  prosecute  the  measure 
proposed,  and  desirous  of  producing  a more  general  and  simultane- 
ous feeling  and  movement  in  aid  of  this  object,  by  calling  the  atten- 
tion of  the  general  government  to  the  subject,  a meeting  for  the  pur- 
pose of  forming  a colonization  society  was  appointed  to  be  held  in 
this  city  on  the  21st  of  December  1816.  At  the  time  proposed  a 
very  respectable  number  of  gentlemen  attended. 

The  following  extracts  relative  to  the  proceedings  of  the  meeting  are 
from  the  National  Intelligencer  of  December  24. 

Mr.  Hmry  Clay,  of  Kentucky,  having  been  called  to  the  chair, 
and  iMr.  Thomas  Dougherty,  of  this  district,  having  been  appointed 
secretary — 

Mr.  Clay,  (on  taking  the  chair)  said  that  he  had  hoped  to 
have  seen  called  to  the  place,  for  which  he  had  the  honor  of  being 
selected,  a gentleman  (judge  AVashington)  who,  from  his  name,  his 
exalted  station,  and  his  distinguished  virtues,  w'ould  have  communi- 
cated an  additional  importance  to  the  present  meeting.  But  as  that 
gentleman  was  not  present,  Mr.  C.  regretted  to  learn,  from  causes 
beyond  his  control,  he  would,  with  great  pleasure,  endeavour  to  dis- 
charge the  duties  of  the  chair.  He  understood  the  object  of  the 
present  meeting,  to  be,  to  consider  ef  the  propriety  and  practicablB* 


5 

t/of  colonizing  the  free  people  of  color  in  the  United  States,  and  of 
forming  an  association  in  relation  to  that  object.  That  class,  of  the 
mixt  population  of  our  country  was  peculiarly  situated.  They  nei- 
ther enjoyed  the  immunities  of  freemen,  nor  were  they  subject  to 
the  incapacities  of  slaves,  but  partook  in  some  degree  of  the  quali- 
ties of  both.  From  their  condition,  and  the  unconquerable  prejudi- 
ces resulting  from  their  color,  they  never  could  amalgamate  with  the 
free,  whites  of  this  country.  It  was  desirable,  therefore,  both  as  it 
respected  them,  and  the  residue  of  the  population  of  the  country,  to 
drain  them  off.  Various  schemes  of  colonization  had  been  thought 
of,  and  a part  of  our  own  continent,  it  was  thought  by  some,  might 
furnish  a suitable  establishment  for  them.  But,  for  his  part,  Mr. 
C*  said,  he  had  a decided  preference  for  some  part  of  the  coast  of 
Africa.  There  ample  provision  might  be  made  for  the  colony  it- 
self, and  it  might  be  rendered  instrumental  to  the  introduction,  into 
that  extensive  quarter  of  the  globe,  of  the  arts,  civilization  and 
Christianity.  There  was  a peculiar,  a moral  fitness  in  restoring 
them  to  the  land  of  their  fathers.  And  if,  instead  of  the  evils  and 
sufferings  which  we  had  been  the  innocent  cause  of  inflicting  upon 
the  inhabitants  of  Africa,  we  can  transmit  to  her  the  blessings  of  our 
arts,  our  civilization  and  our  religion,  may  we  not  hope  that  Ameri- 
ea  will  extinguish  a great  portion  of  that  moral  debt  which  she  has 
•ontr acted  to  that  unfortunate  continent?  We  should  derive  much 
encouragement  in  the  prosecution  of  the  object  which  had  assem- 
bled us  togetner,  by  the  success  which  had  attended  the  colony  of 
Sierra  Leone.  That  establishment  had  commenced  about  20  or  25 
years  ago,  under  the  patronage  of  private  individuals  in  G.  Britain. 
The  basis  of  the  population  of  the  colony  consisted  of  the  fugitive 
slaves  of  the  southern  states,  during  the  revolutionary  war,  who  had 
been  first  carried  to  Nova  Scotia,  and  who,  afterwards,  about  the 
year  lf92,upon  their  own  application,  almost  in  mass,  had  been 
transferred  to  the  western  coast  of  A frica.  This  colony,  after  strug- 
gling with  the  most  unheard  of  di^culties — difficulties  resulting  from 
the  ignorance,  barbarity,  and  prejudices  of  the  natives;  from  the 
climate  (which  were,  however,  found  to  be  not  at  all  insurmountable; 
from  wars,  African  as  well  as  European;  and  such  as  are  incidental 
■ to  all  new  settlements)  had  made  a graclual  and  steady  progress,  un- 
til it  has  acquired  a strength  and  stability  which  promises  to  crown 
* the  efforts  of  its  founders  with  complete  success.  We  have  their  ex- 
perience before  us;  and  can  there  be  a nobler  cause  than  that  which, 
while  it  proposes  to  rid  our  own  country  of  a useless  and  pernicious, 
if  not  a dangerous  portion  of  its  population,  contemplates  the  spread- 
ing of  the  arts  of  civilized  life,  and  the  possible  redemption  from  ig- 
norance and  barbarism  of  a benighted  quarter  of  the  globe! 

It  was  proper  and  necessary  distinctly  to  state,  that  he  under- 
stood it  constituted  no  part  of  the  object  of  this  meeting  to  touch  or 
agitate,  in  the  slightest  degree,  a delicate  question  connected  witli 
another  portion  of  the  coloured  population  of  our  country.  It  was 
not  proposed  to  deliberate  on,  or  consider  at  all,  any  question  of 
emancipation,  or  that  was  connected  with  the  abolition  of  slavery. 
It  was  upon  that  condition  alone,  he  was  sure,  that  many  gentlemen 
from  the  south  and  the  west,  whom  he  saw  present,  had  attended, 


6 

or  could  be  expected  to  eo-operate.  It  was  upon  that  condition,  on- 
ly, that  he  had  himself  attended.  He  would  only  further  add,  that 
he  hoped,  in  their  deliberations,  they  would  be  guided  by  that  mode- 
ration, politeness  and  deference  for  the  opinion  of  each  other,  which 
were  essential  to  any  useful  result.  But  when  he  looked  around  and 
saw  the  respectable  assemblage,  and  recollected  the  humane  and  be- 
nevolent purpose  which  had  produced  it,  he  felt  it  unnecessary  to  in- 
sist farther  on  this  topic. 

Mr.  Elias  B.  Caldwell,  (oi  this  district)  then  rose.  He  said,  he 
felt  peculiar  embarrassment  in  obtruding  himself  upon  the  notice  of 
so  large  and  respectable  a meeting,  in  which  he  found  some  of  the 
most  distinguished  characters  in  our  country.  I ask,  said  he,  your 
indulgence  in  offering  to  the  consideration  of  the  meeting  the  reso- 
lutions which  I hold  in  my  hand,  and  to  a few  explanatory  observa- 
tions. The  objects  of  the  meeting  have  l»een  feelingly  and  correct- 
ly stated  by  the  honorable  chairman.  The  subject  seems  to  be  di- 
vided into — 

1st.  The  expediency;  and,  2dly,  the  practicability  of  the  pro- 
posed plan.  71ie  expediency  of  colonizing  the  free  people  of  color 
in  the  United  States,  may  be  considered  in  reference  to  its  influence 
on  our  civil  institutions,  on  the  morals  and  habits  of  the  people,  and 
on  the  future  happiness  of  the  free  people  of  color.  It  has  been  a 
subject  of  unceasing  regret,  and  anxious  solicitude,  among  many  of 
our  best  patriots  and  wisest  statesmen,  from  the  first  establishment 
of  our  independence,  that  this  class  of  people  should  remain  a mon- 
ument of  reproach  to  those  sacred  principles  of  civil  liberty,  which 
constitute  the  foundation  of  all  our  constitutions.  We  say,  in  the 
declaration  of  independence,  that  all  men  are  created  equal’’  and 
have  certain  ^’inalienable  rights.”  Yet  it  is  considered  impossible, 
con*  latently  with  the  safety  of  the  state,  and  it  certainly  is  impossi- 
ble, with  the  present  feelings  towards  these  people,  that  they  can 
ever  be  placed  upon  this  equality,  or  admitted  to  the  enjoyment  of 
these  ••  inalienable  rights,”  whilst  ^ey  remain  mixed  with  us.  Some 
persons  may  declaim,  and  call  it  prejudice.  No  matter — prejudice 
is  as  powerful  a motive,  and  will  as  certainly  exclude  them  as  the 
soundest  reason.  Others  may  say,  they  are  free  enough.  If  this 
is  a matter  of  opinion,  let  them  judge — if  of  reason,  let  it  be  deci- 
ded by  our  repeated  and  solemn  declarations,  in  all  our  public  acts. — 
Y'his  state  of  society,  unquestionably  tends,  in  various  ways,  to  injure 
the  morals  and  destroy  the  habits  of  industry  among  our  people. 
This  will  be  acknowledged  by  every  person  w’ho  has  paid  any  at- 
tention to  the  subject;  and  it  seems  to  be  so  generally  admitted,  that 
it  w’ould  promote  the  happiness  of  the  people,  and  fhe  interest  ot 
the  country,  to  provide  a place  where  these  people  might  be  settled 
by  themselves,  that  it  is  unnecessary  to  dwell  on  this  branch  ot  the 
subject. 

As  to  the  blacks,  it  is  manifest  that  their  interest  and  happiness 
would  be  promoted,  by  collecting  them  together  where  they  w'ould 
enjoy  equal  rights  and  privileges  wdth  those  around  them.  A state 
of  degradation  is  necessarily  a state  of  unhappiness.  It  debasses 
the  mind;  it  cramps  the  energies  of  the  soul,  and  represses  every  vi- 
gorous efibrt  towards  moral  or  intellectual  greatness.  How  car 


you  expect  from  them  any  thing  great  or  noble,  without  the  motives 
to  stimulate,  or  the  rewards  to  crown  great  and  noble  achievements  ? 
It  not  only  prevents  their  climbing  the  steep  and  rugged  paths  of 
fame,  but  it  prevents  the  enjoyment  of  the  true  happiness  of  calm 
contentment,  satisfied  with  enjoying  but  a part  of  what  we  possess, 
of  using  only  a portion  of  what  is  in  our  power.  Take  away,  how- 
ever, the  portion  that  is  not  used,  and  it  immediately  becomes  the 
object  of  our  fondest  desires.  The  more  you  endeavour  to  improve 
the  condition  of  these  people,  the  more  you  cultivate  tlieir  minds, 
(unless  by  religious  instruction,)  the  more  miserable  you  make  them 
in  their  present  state.  You  give  them  a higher  relish  for  those  pri- 
vileges which  they  can  never  attain,  and  turn  what  we  intend  for  a 
blessing  into  a curse.  No,  if  they  must  remain  in  their  present 
situation,  keep  them  in  the  lowest  state  of  degradation  and  ignorance. 
The  nearer  you  bring  them  to  the  condition  of  brutes,  the  better 
chance  do  you  give  them  of  possessing  their  apathy.  Surely,  Ame- 
ricans ought  to  be  the  last  people  on  earth,  to  advocate  such  slavish 
doctrines,  to  cry  peace  and  contentment  to  those  who  are  deprived 
of  the  privileges  of  civil  liberty.  They  who  have  so  largely  partaken 
of  its  blessings — who  know  so  well  how  to  estimate  its  value,  ought 
to  be  among  the  foremost  to  extend  it  to  others. 

I will  consider  the  practicability  of  coloniza^on  under  three 
heads : The  territory — the  expense — and  the  probability  of  ob- 
taining their  consei  t. 

1.  The  territory. — Various  places  have  been  mentioned  by  dif- 
ferent persons:  a situation  within  our  own  territory  would  certainly 
possess  some  considerable  advantages.  It  would  be  more'iiame- 
diately  under  the  eye  and  control  of  our  government.  But  there  are 
some  real  and  some  apprehended  evils  to  encounter.  Many  appre- 
hend that  they  might  hereafter  join  the  Indians,  or  the  nations  bor- 
dering on  our  frontiers  in  case  of  war,  if  they  were  placed  so  near 
us — that  the  colony  would  become  the  asylum  of  fugitives  and  run- 
away slaves — added  to  these  difficulties,  there  are  inveterate  preju- 
dices against  such  a plan,  in  so  large  a.  portion  of  the  country,  which 
would  be  impossible  to  overcome  or  remove.  Upon  mature  reflec- 
tion, with  all  the  light  that  has  yet  been  slied  upon  the  subject,  I 
believe  it  will  be  found,  that  Africa  wdllbe  liable  to  the  fewest  objec- 
tions. A territory  might,  no  doubt,  be  procured  there;  the  cli- 
mate is  best  adapted  to  their  constitutions, 'and  they  could  live  chea- 
per. But,  Mr.  Chairman,  I have  a greater  and  nobler  object  in 
view,  in  desiring  them  to  be  placed  in  Africa.  It  is  the  belief  that, 
through  them,  civilization  and  the  Christian  religion  would  be  intro- 
duced into  that  benighted  quarter  of  the  world.  It  is  the  hope  of 
redeeming  many  millions  of  people  from  the  lowest  state  of  ignorance 
and  superstition,  and  restoring  them  to  the  knowledge  and  worship 
of  the  true  God.  Great  and  powerful  as  are  the  other  motives  to 
this  measure;  (and  I acknowledge  them  to  be  of  sufficient  magnitude 
to  attract  the  attention  and  to  call  forth  the  united  efforts  of  this  na- 
tion,) in  my  opinion,  and  you  will  find  it  the  opinion  of  a large  class 
of  the  community,  all  other  motives  are  small  and  trifling  compared 
with  the  hope  of  spreading  among  them  the  knowledge  of  the  gospel. 
From  the  importance  of  this  view  of  the  subject,  permit  me  to  enlarge 


t 

'a  little  upok  it.  Wlmtever  may  be  the  difference  of  opinion  among 
the  different  denominations  of  Christians,  I believe  they  will  all  be 
found  to  unite  in  the  belief  that  the  scriptures  predict  a time,  when 
the  gospel  of  Jesus  Christ  shall  be  spread  over  every  part  of  the 
world,  shall  be  acknowledged  by  every  nation,  and  perhaps  shall  in- 
fluence every  heart.  The  opinion  is,  perhaps,  as  general,  that  this 
glorious  and  happy  day  is  near  at  hand.  The  great  movements  and 
mighty  efforts  in  the  moral  and  religious  world,  seem  to  indicate 
some  great  design  of  Providence  on  the  eve  of  accomplishment.  The 
unexampled  and  astonishing  success  attending  the  various  and  nu- 
merous plans  which  have  been  advised  and  which  are  now  in  ope- 
ration in  different  parts  of  the  world,  and  the  union  and  harmony 
with  which  Christians  of  different  denominations  unite  in  promoting 
these  plans,  clearly  indicate  a divine  hand  in  their  direction.  Nay, 
sir,  the  subject  on  which  we  are  now  deliberating  has  been  brought 
to  public  view,  nearly  at  the  same  time  in  different  parts  of  our 
country\  In  N^ew  Jersey,  New  York,  Indiana,  Tennessee,  Virginia, 
and  perhaps  other  places,  not  know  n to  me,  the  public  attention 
seems  to  have  been  awakened,  as  from  a slumber  to  this  subject. 
The  belief  that  I have  mentioned  leads  Christians  to  look  with  anx- 
ious solicitude  and  joyful  hope  to  every  movement,  w^hich  they  be- 
lieve to  be  instrumental  in  accomplishing  the  great  designs  of  Provi- 
dence. They  will  receive  your  proposal  with  joy  and  support  it 
w ith  zeal;  and,  permit  me  to  say,  that  it  will  be  of  no  small  conse- 
quence to  gain  the  zealous  support  and  co-operation  of  this  portion 
of  the  community. 

On  the  subject  of  expence,  I should  hope  there  w^ould  not  be  much 
difference  of  opinion.  All  are  interested,  though  some  portions  of 
the  community  are  more  immediately  so  than  others.  We  should 
consider  that  wdiat  affects  a part  of  our  country  is  interesting  to  the 
whole.  Besides,  it  is  a great  national  object,  and  ought  to  be  sup- 
ported by  a national  purse.  And,  as  has  been  justly  observed  by 
the  honorable  gentleman  in  the  chair,  there  ought  to  be  a national 
atonement  for  the  wrongs  and  injuries  which  Africa  has  suffered. 
For  although  the  state  legislatures  commenced  early  after  our  inde- 
pendence to  put  a stop  to  the  slave  trade,  and  the  national  govern- 
ment interfered  as  soon  as  the  constitution  would  permit,  yet,  as  a 
nation,  w’e  cannot  rid  ourselves  entirely  from  the  guilt  and  disgi'acr 
attending  that  iniquitous  traffic,  until  we,  as  a nation,  have  made 
every  reparation  in  our  power.  If,  however,  more  funds  are  want- 
ing than  it  is  thought  expedient  to  appropriate  out  of  the  public  trea- 
sury, the  liberality  and  the  humanity  of  our  citizens  will  not  suffer 
it  to  fail  for  want  of  pecuniary  aid.  I should  be  sorry,  however,  to 
see  our  government  dividing  any  part  of  the  honor  and  glory  wliich 
cannot  fail  of  attending  the  accomplishment  of  a work  so  great,  so 
interesting,  and  which  will  tend  so  much  to  diffuse  the  blessings  of 
cis'il  liberty,  and  promote  the  happiness  of  man. 

Among  the  objections  which  have  been  made,  I must  confess 
that  I am  most  surprized  at  one  which  seems  to  be  prevalent,  to  wit: 
that  these  people  wall  be  unwulling  to  be  colonized — V hat,  sir,  are 
they  not-men?  ^ AVill  they  not  be  actuated  by  the  same  motives  of 
interest  and  ambition,  w^hich  influence  other  men?  Or  wull  they  pre- 


fer  remaining-  in  a hopeJess  state  of  degradation  fpr  themselves  anli. 
tlieir  children,  to  the  prospect  of  the  full  enjoyment  of  the  civil  rights 
and  a state  of  equality?  What  brought  our  ancestors  to  these 
shores?  They  had  no  friendly  hand  to  lead  them;  no  powerful  hu- 
man arm  to  protect  them.  They  left  the  land  of  their  nativity;  the 
sepulchres  of  their  fathers;  the  comforts  of  civilized  society,  and  all 
the  endearments  of  friends  and  relatives,  and  early  associations,  to 
traverse  the  ocean,  to  clear  the  forests;  to  encounter  all  the  hardships 
of  a new  settlement,  and  to  brave  the  dangers  of  the  tomahawk 
and  scalping  knife.  How'  many  were  destroyed!  Sometimes  wdiole 
settlements  cut  off  by  disease  and  hunger — by  the  treachery  and 
cruelty  of  the  savages;  yet,  were  they  not  discouraged.  What  is  it 
impels  many  Europeans  daily  to  seek  our  shores,  and  to  sell  them- 
selves for  the  prime  of  their  life  to  defray  the  expence  of  their  pas- 
sages? It  is  that  ruling,  imperious  desire,  planted  in  the  breast  of 
every  man;  the  desire  of  liberty,  of  standing  upon  an  equality  with 
bis  fellow  men.  If  we  were  to  add  to  these  motives,  the  offer  of 
land,  and  to  aid  in  the  expense  of  emigration,  and  of  first  settling, 
they  cannot  be  so  blind  to  their  own  interest,  so  devoid  of  every  no- 
ble and  generous  feeling,  as  to  hesitate  about  accepting  of  the  offer. 
It  is  not  a matter  of  speculation  and  opinion  only.  It  has  been  sa- 
tisfactorily ascertained,  that  numbers  will  gladly  accept  of  the  invi- 
tation. And  when  once  the  colony  is  formed,  and  flourishing,  all 
other  obstacles  will  be  easily  removed.  It  is  for  us  to  make  the  ex- 
periment and  the  offer — we  shall  then,  and  not  till  then,  have  dis- 
charged our  duty.  It  is  a plan  in  which  all  interests,  all  classes  and 
descriptions  of  people  may  unite — in  which  all  discordant  feelings 
may  be  lost  in  those  of  humanity — in  promoting  peace  on  earth 
and  good  will  to  men.” 

Mr.  John  Randolph  (of  Roanoke)  rose  and  said,  that  it  had 
been  properly  observed  by  the  chairman,  that  there  was  nothing  in 
the  proposition  [Refering  to  the  resolutions  which  follow]  submitted  to 
consideration  which  in  the  smallest  degree  touches  another  very  im- 
portant and  delicate  question,  w'hich  ought  to  be  left  as  much  out  of 
view  as  possible.  But,  Mr.  R.  said,  it  appeared  to  him  that  it  had 
not  been  sufficiently  insisted  on,  with  a ^^ew  to  obtain  the  co-opera- 
tion of  all  the  citizens  of  the  United  States,  not  only  that  this  meet»- 
ing  dqps  not  in  any  wise  affect  the  question  of  negro  slavery,  but, 
as  far  as  it  goes,  must  materially  tend  to  secure  the  property  of  every 
master  in  the  United  States  over  his  slaves.  It  appeared  to  him 
that  this  aspect  of  the  question  had  not  been  sufficiently  presented 
to  the  public  view.  It  was  a notorious  fact,  he  said,  that  the  exis- 
, lence  of  this  mixed  and  intermediate  population  of  free  negroes  wa.'i 
viewed  by  every  slave  holder  as  one  of  the  greatest  sources  of  the 
insecurity,  and  also  unprofitableness,  of  slave  property;  that  they 
serve  to  excite  in  their  fellow  beings  a feeling  of  discontent,  of  re- 
pining at  their  situation,  and  that  they  act  as  channels  of  communi- 
cation not  only  between  different  slaves,  but  between  the  slaves  of 
different  districts;  that  they  are  the  depositories  of  stolen  goods, 
and  the  promoters  of  mischief.  In  a worldly  point  of  view,  then, 
without  entering  into  the  general  question  and  apart  from  those  hig^.- 
er  and  nobler  motives  which  had  been  presented  to  die  meeting,  fhe 


10 

owners  of  slaves  were  interested  in  providing  a retreat  for  this  part 
of  our  population.  There  was  no  fear  that  this  proposition  would 
alarm  them:  they  had  been  accustomed  to  think  seriously  of  the 
subject.  There  was  a popular  work  on  agriculture,  by  Jolin  Taylor 
of  Caroline,  which  was  widely  circulated  and  much  co'nfided  in,  in 
V irginia.  In  that  book,  much  read  because  corning  from  a practical 
man,  this  description  of  people  were  pointed  out  as  a great  evil.  If 
a place  could  be  provided  for  their  reception,  and  a mode  of  sending 
them  hence,  there  were  hundreds,  nay  thousands  of  citizens,  who 
would  by  manumitting  their  slaves,  relieve  themselves  from  the  care.'s 
attendant  on  their  possession. 

IMr.  Robert  IVHght  (of  I\Id.)  said  he  could  not  withhold  his  ap- 
probation of  a measure,  that  had  for  its  object  the  melioration  of 
the  lot  of  any  portion  of  the  human  race,  particularly  of  the  free 
people  of  color,  whose  degraded  state  robs  them  of  the  happiness  of 
self  go^^ernment,  so  dear  to  the  American  people.  And,  said  he, 
as  I discover  the  most  delicate  regard  to  the  rights  of  property,  1 
shall,  with  great  pleasure,  lend  my  aid  to  restore  this  unfortunate 
people  to  the  enjoyment  of  their  liberty;  but  I fear  gentlemen  are  too 
sanguine  in  their  expectations,  that  they  would  be  willing  to  abandon 
the  land  of  their  nativity,  so  dear  to  man.  However,  I have  no  in- 
disposition to  give  them  that  election  by  furnishing  all  the  means 
contemplated.  But,  while  we  wish  to  promote  the  happiness  of  these 
free  people  of  color,  we  ought  to  take  care  not  to  furnish  tlie  means 
of  transporting  out  of  the  reach  of  the  master  his  property. 

Mr.  CAtldwell  offered  the  following  preamble  and  resolutions 
which  were  unanimously  adopted. 

The  situation  of  the  free  people  of  Colour  in  the  United  States  has 
been  the  subject  of  anxious  solicitude,  with  many  of  our  most  dis- 
tinguished citizens,  from  the  first  existence  of  our  country  as  an  in- 
dependent nation;  but  the  great  difficulty  and  embarrassment  at- 
tending the  establishment  of  an  infant  nation,  when  first  struggling 
into  existence,  and  the  subsequent  convulsions  of  Europe,  have 
hitherto  prevented  any  great  national  effort  to  provide  a remedy  for 
evils  existing  or  apprehended. — ^The  present  period  seems  pe- 
^ 'culiarly  auspicious  to  invite  attention  to  this  important  subject,  and 
gives  a w^ell  grounded  hope  of  success.  The  nations  of  Europe  are 
hushed  into  peace;  unexampled  efforts  are  making  in  variojjs  parts 
of  the  w'orld,  to  diffuse  knowledge,  civilization  and  the  benign  in- 
fluence of  the  Christian  religion.  The  rights  of  man  are  becoming 
daily  better  understood;  the  legitimate  objects  of  government,  as 
founded  for  the  benefit  and  intended  for  the  happiness  of  men,  are 
more  generally  acknowledged,  and  an  ardent  zeal  for  the  happiness 
of  the  human  race  is  kindled  in  almost  every  heart.  Desirous  of 
aiding  in  the  great  cause  of  philanthropy,  and  of  promoting  the 
prosperity  and  happiness  of  our  country,  it  is  recommended  by  this 
meeting  to  form  an  association  or  society  for  the  purpose  of  giving 
aid  and  assisting  in  the  colonization  of  the  free  people  of  colour  in 
the  United  States. — Therefore 

Resolved,  That  an  association  or  society  be  formed  for  thepur- 
ipose  of  collecting  information  and  to  assist  in  the  formation  and  ex- 
' ecution  of  a plan  for  the  colonization  of  the  free  people  of  color. 


11 

with  their  consent,’  in  Africa  or  elsewhere,  as  may  be  thouglit  most 
adviseable  by  the  constituted  authorities  of  the  country. 

Resolved,  That  Elias  B.  Caldwell,  John  Randolph, 
Richard  Rush,  Walter  Jones,  Francis  S.  Key,  Robert; 
Wright,  James  H.  Blake,  and  John  Peter,  be  a committee  to 
present  a respectful  memorial  to  Congress,  requesting  them  to 
adopt  such  measures  as  may  be  thought  most  adviseable  for  procur- 
ing a territory  in  Africa  or  elsewhere,  suitable  for  the  colonization 
of  the  free  people  of  color. 

Resolved,  That  Francis  S.  Key,  Bushrod  Washington, 
Elias  B.  Caldwell,  James  Breckenridge,  Walter  Jones,  Rich- 
ard Rush  and  William  G.  D.  Worthington,  be  a committee  to 
prepare  a constitution  and  rules  for  the  government  of  the  Associa- 
tion or  Society,  above  mentioned,  and  report  the  same  to  the  next 
meeting  for  consideration. 

And  the  meeting  adjourned  until  next  Saturday  evening,  at  six 
o’clock. 

HENRY  CLAY,  Chairman. 

Thos.  T>ougherty,  Secretanj. 

At  an  adjourned  meeting  of  the  citizens  of  Washington,  George- 
town, and  Alexandria,  and  many  others  held  in  the  Hall  of  the  house 
of  Representatives  of  the  ETnited  States,  on  Saturday  the  28th  day 
of  December  1816,  for  the  purpose  of  receiving  and  considering, 
from  the  committees  appointed  to  that  duty  at  a previous  meeting, 
a constitution  of  the  Society,  for  meliorating  the  condition  of  the 
tree  people  of  color  in  the  United  States,  by  providing  a colonial  re- 
treat on  this  or  the  continent  of  Africa;  and  a memorial  to  Congress 
requesting  the  sanction  and  co-operation  of  the  general  government 
•in  the  object  of  the  Institution  aforesaid — a Constitution  was  re- 
ported by  the  committee  appointed  for  that  purpose;  and  having- 
been  discussed  and  amended,  was  then  unanimously  accepted  by  the 
jMeeting,  in  the  following  words: 

Article  I. — This  Society  shall  be  called,  The  American  Soci- 
ety for  colonizing  the  free  people  of  color  of  the  United  States.’’ 

Article  II. — The  object  to  which  its  attention  is  to  be  exclusive- 
ly directed,  is  to  promote  and  execute  apian  for  colonizing  (with 
their  consent)  the  free  people  of  color,  residing  in  our  country,  in 
Africa,  or  such  other  place  as  Congress  shall  deem  most  expedient. 
And  the  Society  shall  act,  to  effect  this  object  in  co-operation  with 
the  general  government,  and  such  of  the  states  as  may  adopt  regu- 
lations upon  the  subject. 

Article  III — Every  citizen  of  the  United  States,  w’ho  shall  sub- 
scribe these  articles,  aiid  be  an  annual  contributor  of  one  dollar 
to  the  funds  of  the  Society,  shall  be  a member.  On  paying  a sum  not 
less  than  30  dollars,  at  one  subscription,  shall  be  a member  for  life. 

Article  IV. — The  officers  of  this  Society  shall  be,  a President, 
thirteen  Vice  Presidents,  a Secretary,  a Treasurer,  a Recorder,  and 
a Board  of  Managers,  composed  of  the  above  named  officers,  and 
twelve  other  members  of  the  Society.  They  shall  be  annually  e- 
lected  by  the  members  of  the  Society,  at  their  annual  meeting  on 
new  year’s  day,  (except  when  that  happens  to  be  the  Sabbath,  and 


12 

tiien  the  next  day)  and  continue  to  discharge  their  respective  duties 
till  others  are  appointed. 

yirticle  V. — It  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  President  to  president  all 
meetings  of  the  Society,  and  of  the  Board  of  Managers,  and  to  call 
meetings  of  the  Society,  and  of  the  Board,  when  he  thinks  neces- 
sary, or  when  required  by  any  three  members  of  the  board. 

Article  IV. — The  Vice  Presidents,  according  to  seniority,  shall 
discharge  these  duties  in  the  absence  of  the  President. 

Article  VII. — The  Secretary  shall  take  minutes  of  the  proceed- 
ings, prepare  and  publish  notices,  and  discharge  such  other  duties 
as  the  Board,  or  the  President,  or  in  his  absence  the  Vice  President, 
according  to  seniority,  (when  the  Board  is  not  sitting)  shall  direct. 

And  the  Recorder  shall  record  the  proceedings  and  the  names  of  the 
members,  and  discharge  such  other  duties  as  may  be  required  of 
him. 

Article  VIII. — The  Treasurer  shall  receive  and  take  charge  of 
the  funds  of  the  Society,  under  such  security  as  may  be  prescribed 
by  the  Board  of  Managers;  keep  the  accounts,  and  exhibit  a state- 
ment of  receipts  and  expenditures  ateve.^’y  annual  meeting,  and  dis- 
charge such  other  duties  as  may  be  required  of  him. 

Article  IX.. — The  Board  of  Managers  shall  meet  on  the  first 
Monday  in  January,  the  first  Monday  in  April,  the  first  Monday  in 
July,  and  the  first  Monday  in  October,  every  year,  and  at  such 
other  times  as  the  President  may  direct.  They  shall  conduct  the  bu- 
siness of  the  Society,  and  take  such  measures  for  effecting  its  object 
as  they  shall  think  proper,  or  shall  be  directed  at  the  meetings  of  the 
Society,  and  make  an  annual  report  of  their  proceedings.  They 
shall  also  fill  up  all  vacancies  occuring  during  the  year,  and  make 
such  by-law's  for  their  government  as  they  may  deem  necessary,  pro- 
vided the  same  are  not  repugnant  to  this  constitution. 

Article  X. — Every  Society  which  shall  be  formed  in  the  United 
States  to  aid  in  the  object  of  this  association,  and  which  shall  co-ope- 
rate with  its  funds  for  the  purposes  thereof,  agreeably  to  the  rules 
and  regulations  of  this  Society,  shall  be  considered  auxiliary  thereto, 
and  its  officers  shall  be  entitled  to  attend  and  vote  at  all  meetings  of 
the  Society,  and  of  the  Board  of  Managers. 

The  committee  appointed  for  the  purpose  having  reported  a 
draft  of  a memorial  to  Congress,  discussion  arose  respecting  the 
same.  Whereupon  it  was,  on  motion. 

Resolved,  That  the  committee  appointed  to  prepare  and  present 
to  Congress  a memorial  on  the  object  of  this  Association  be  instructed  ^ 

to  report  the  same  to  the  annual  meeting  of  the  Society  for  its  con- 
sideration. 

On  motion,  it  was  also 

Resolved,  That  the  first  election  of  ofilcers  of  the  Society  shall 
be  held  on  the  first  Wednesday  in  January  ensuing;  of  which  due 
notice  shall  be  given  by  the  Secretary  in  the  public  prints  in  the  dis- 
trict of  Columbia;  and  that  meanwhile  a book  shall  be  opened  for 
receiv  ing  subscriptions  to  the  Constitution,  at  the  Reading  Rooms  in 
Washington,  Georgetown,  and  Alexandria,  at  the  Office  of  the  Na-  ‘ 
tional  Intelligencer,  and  with  the  Secretary  of  this  meeting. 

And  then  the  meeting  adjourned. 

Thos.  Dougherty,  Secretary. 


H.  CLAY,  Chamnan. 


1? 


WednesddLy^  January  I y 1817.  The  American  Society  for  colo* 
nizing  the  Free  People  of  Color  of  the  United  States,  met  this  day, 
agreeably  to  the  directions  of  the  constitution.  I'he  hon.  Henry 
Clay,  chairman,  Thomas  Dougherty,  secretary.  The  society  pro- 
ceeded to  the  election  of  its  officers. 


The  honorable  Bushrod  Washington  was  unanimously  elected 
president, 

VICE  PRESIDENTS. 

Hon.  William  H.  Crawford,  of  Georgia. 

Hon.  Hennj  Clay,  of  Kentucky. 

Hon.  William  Phillips,  of  Massachusetts. 

Col.  Henry  Rutgers,  of  New  York.  , 

Hon.  John  E.  Howard,  ^ 

Hon.  Samuel  Smith,  > of  Maryland.. 

Hon.  John  C.  Herbert,  ) 

John  Taylor,  of  Caroline,  Esq.  of  Virginia. 

Gen.  Andrew  Jackson,  of  Tennessee. 


of  Pennsylvania. 


Robert  Ralston,  Esq. 

Richard  Rush,  Esq. 

Gen.  John  Mason,  of  the  District  of  Columbia. 
Rev.  Robert  Finley,  of  New  Jersey. 


MANAGERS. 


Frands  S.  Key, 

Walter  Jones, 

John  Laird, 

Rev.  Dr.  James  Laurie, 
Rev.  Stephen  B.  Balcht 
Rev.  Obadiah  B.  Brown, 


James  H.  Blake, 
John  Peter, 
Edmund  I.  Lee, 
William  Thornton, 
Jacob  Hoffman, 
Henry  Carroll. 


Elias  B.  Caldwell,  secretary. 

W.  G.  D.  Worthington,  recording  secretary.. 
David  English,  treasurer. 


Resolved,  That  the  president  and  board  of  managers  be,  and 
they  are  hereby  instructed  and  required  to  present  a memorial  to 
congress  on  the  subject  of  colonizing,  with  their  consent,  the  free 
people  of  color  of  the  United  States,  in  Africa  or  elsewhere. 

Mr.  Clay  having  left  the  chair,  Gen.  Mason,  one  of  the  vice- 
presidents,  presided  as  president. 

Resolved  unanimously.  That  the  thanks  of  this  meeting  be 
presented  to  Mr.  Clay,  for  the  ability  and  attention  with  which  he 
has  presided  as  chairman  of  the  meetings  in  organizing  the  society. 

On  motion  of  Mr.  Herbert,  Resolved  unanimously,  that  the  Rev. 
Robert  Finley,  be  requested  to  close  the  meeting  with  an  address  to 
the  Throne  of  Grace. 


14 


.iME  MORTAL  of  the  President  and  board  of  Managers  of  the 
American  society  for  colonizing  the  free  people  of  color  of  the 
United  States. 

In  the  House  of  Representatives,  January  14. — Read  and  ordered 
to  lie  on  the  table. 

To  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  United  States  of 
America  in  Congress  assembled — 

The  memorial  of  the  President  and  board  of  managers  of  the 
American'  Society  for  Colonizing  the  free  people  of  color  of 
the  United  States,’^ 

llespGctfidly  shoivs,  t 

That  your  memorialists  are  delegated  by  a numerous  and  high- 
ly respectable  association  of  their  fellow  citizens,  recently  organized 
at  the  seat  of  government,  to  solicit  Congress  to  aid  with  the  power, 
the  patronage,  and  the  resources  of  the  country,  the  great  and  bene- 
ficial object  of  their  institution;  an  object  deemed  worthy  of  the  ear- 
nest attention,  and  of  the  strenuous  and  persevering  exertions,  as 
well  of  every  patriot,  in  whatever  condition  of  life,  as  of  every  enlight- 
ened, philanthropic,  and  practical  statesmen. 

It  is  now  reduced  to  be  a maxim,  equally  approved  in  philoso- 
phy and  practice,  that  the  existence  of  distinct  and  separate  casts,  or 
classes,  forming  exceptions  to  the  general  system  of  policy  adapted 
to  the  community,  is  an  inherent  vice  in  the  composition  of  society; 
pregnant  with  baneful  consequences,  both  moral  and  political,  and 
demanding  the  utmost  exertion  of  human  energy^  and  foresight  to 
remedy  or  remove  it.  If  this  maxim  be  true  in  the  general,  it  ap- 
plies with  peculiar  force  to  the  relative  condition  of  the  free  people  of 
colour  in  the  United  States ; between  whom  and  the  rest  of  the 
community,  a combination  of  causes,  political,  physical,  and 
moral,  has  created  distinctions,  unavoidable  in  their  origin,  and  most 
unfortunate  in  their  consequences.  The  actual  and  prospective  con- 
dition of  that  class  of  people;  their  anomalous  and  indefinite  relations 
to  the  political  institutions  and  social  ties  of  the  community,  their  de- 
privation of  most  of  those  independent,  political,  and  social  rights, 
so  indispensable  to  the  progressive  melioration  of  our  nature;  ren- 
dered, by  systematic  exclusion  from  all  the  higher  rewards  of  excel- 
lence, dead  to  all  the  elevating  hopes  that  might  prompt  ^a  gene- 
I'ous  ambition  to  excel;  all  these  considerations  demonstrate,  that  it 
equally  imports  the  public  good,  as  the  individual  and  social  happi- 
ness of  the  persons  more  immediately  concerned;  that  it  is  equally  a 
debt  of  patriotism  and  of  humanity,  to  provide  some  adequate  and 
etfectual  remedy.  The  evil  has  become  so  apparent,  and  the  ne- 
cessity for  a remedy  so  palpable,  that  some  of  the  most  considerable 
of  the  slaveholding  states  have  been  induced  to  impose  restraints  up- 
on the  practice  of  emancipation,  by  annexing  conditions,  which 
have  no  eftect  but  to  transfer  the  evil  from  one  state  to  another;  or, 
by  inducing  other  states  to  adopt  countervailing  regulations,  end  in 
the  total  abrogation  of  a right,  which  benevolent  or  conscientious 
proprietors  had  long  enjoyed  under  all  the  sanctions  of  positive  law 
and  of  artpient  usage.  Your  memorialists  beg  leave,  with  all  defer- 


15 

cuce,  to  suggest  that  the  fairest  and  most  inviting  opportuintiis^ 
are  now  presented  to  the  general  government,  for  repairing  a great 
evil  in  our  social  and  political  institutions,  and  at  the  same  time  for 
elevating,  from  a low  and  hopeless  condition,  a numerous  and  rapid- 
ly increasing  race  of  men,  who  want  nothing  but  a proper  theatre,  to 
enter  upon  the  pursuit  of  happiness  and  independence,  in  the  ordina- 
ry^ paths  which  a benign  Providence  has  left  open  to  the  human  race. 
Those  great  ends,  it  is  conceived,  may  be  accomplished  by  making 
adequate  provision  for  planting,  in  some  salubrious  and  fertile  re- 
gion, a colony,  to  be  composed  of  such  of  the  above  description  of 
persons  as  may  choose  to  emij^rate;  and  for  extending  to  it  the  au- 
thority and  protection  of  the  Lmitecl  States,  until  it  shall  have  attain- 
ed sufficient  strength  and  consisteircy  to  be  left  in  a state  of  inde- 
pendence. 

Independently  of  the  motives  derived  from  political  foresight 
and  civil  prudence,  on  the  one  hand,  and  from  moral  justice  and 
philanthropy  on  the  otherj  there  are  additional  considerations  and 
more  expanded  views  to  engage  the  sympathies  and  excite  the  ardor 
of  a liberal  and  enlightened  people.  It  may  be  reserved  for  our 
government,  (the  first  to  denounce  an  inhuman  and  abominable 
traffic,  in  the  guilt  and  disgrace  of  which  most  of  the  civilized  nations 
of  the  Avorld  were  partakers)  to  become  the  honorable  instrument, 
under  Divine  Providence,  of  conferring  a still  higher  blessing  upon 
the  large  and  interesting  portion  of  mankind,  benefittedby  that  deed 
of  justice^  by  demonstrating  that  a race  of  men,  composing  nume- 
rous tribes,  spread  over  a continent  of  vast  and  unexplored  extent, 
fertility,and  riches;  unknown  to  the  enlightened  nations  of  antiquity; 
and  who  had  yet  made  no  progress  in  the  refinements  of  civilization; 
for  W'hom  history  has  preserved  no  monuments  of  arts  or  arms:  that 
even  this,  hitherto,  ill-fated  race,  may  chei  ish  the  hope  of  beholding 
at  last  the  orient  star  revealing  the  best  and  highest  aims  and  attri- 
butes of  man.  Out  of  such  materials,  to  rear  the  glorious  edifice  of 
well  ordered  and  polished  society,  upon  the  deep  and  sure  founda- 
tions of  equal  laws  and  diffusive  education,  would  give  a sufficient 
title  to  be  enrolled  among  the  illustrious  benefactors  of  mankind; 
whilst  it  afforded  a precious  and  consolatory  evidence  of  the  all  pre* 
vailing  power  of  liberty,  enlightened  by  knowledge  and  corrected 
by  religion.  If  the  experiment,  in  its  more  remote  consequences, 
sliould  ultimately  tend  to  the  diffusion  of  similar  blessings  through 
those  vast  regions  and  unnumbered  tribes,  yet  obscured  in  primeval 
darkness;  reclaim  the  rude  wanderer,  from  a life  of  wretchedness,  to 
civilization  and  humanity;  and  convert  the  blind  idolater,  from  gros3, 
and  abject  superstitions,  to  the  holy  charities,  the  sublime  morality 
and  humanizing  discipline  of  the  Gospel;  the  nation,  or  the  individual 
that  shall  have  taken  the  most  conspicuous  lead  in  achieving  the 
benignant  enterprize,  will  have  raised  a monument  of  that  true  and 
imperishable  glory,  founded  in  the  moral  approbation  and  gratitude 
of  the  human  race;  unapproachable  to  all  but  the  elected  instruments 
®f  divine  beneficence: — a glory,  with  which  the  most  splendid  achieve- 
ments of  human  force  or  pow  er  must  sink  in  the  competition,  and  ap- 
pear insignificant  and  vulgar  in  the  comparison.  And  above  all 
'^hmdd  it  be  considered,  that  the  nation  or  the  mdiYidual,  whose  en- 


j 


It) 

i 

ergies  have  been  faithfully  given  to  this  august  work,  will  have  se- 
cured, by  this  exalted  beneficence,  the  favor  of  that  being  whose 
compassion  is  over  all  his  works,*’  and  whose  unspeakable  rewards 
will  never  fail  to  bless  the  humblest  effort  to  do  good  to  his  creatures. 

Your  memorialists  do  not  presume  to  determine,  that  the  views 
of  congress  will  be  necessarily  directed  to  the  country  to  which  they 
have  just  alluded.  They  hope  to  be  excused  for  intimating  some  of 
the  reasons  which  would  bring  that  portion  of  the  world  before  us, 
w’heii  engaged  in  discovering  a place  the  most  proper  to  be  selected, 
leaving  it,  with  perfect  confidence,  to  the  better  information  and 
better  judgment  of  your  honorable  body  to  make  the  choice. 

Your  memorialists,  without  presuming  to  mark  out,  in  detail, 
the  measures  which  it  may  be  proper  to  adopt  in  furtherance  of  the 
object  in  view;  but  implicitly  relying  upon  the  wisdom  of  congress  to 
devise  the  most  effectual  measures,  will  only  pray,  that  the  subject 
maybe  recommended  to  their  serious  consideration,  and  that,  as  an 
humble  auxiliary  in  this  great  work,  the  association,  represented  by 
your  memorialists,  may  be  permitted  to  aspire  to  the  hope  of  contri- 
buting its  labors  and  resources. 

BUSH.  WASHINGTON,  President. 

The  memorial,  after  being  read  and  ordered  to  be  printed,  was' 
referred  to  the  Committee  on  the  Slme  Trade,  Messrs.  Pickering, 
Comstock,  Condict,  Tucker,  Taggart,  Cilly,  and  Hooks:  their  report 
and  resolution  follow: 

KEPORT  on  colonizing  the  free  people  of  color  of  the  United  States; 

February  11, 1817-  Read,  and  committed  to  a committee  of 

the  whole  house  on  Monday  next. 

The  committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  memorial  of  the  pre- 
«dent  and  board  of  managers  of  the  “ American  Society  for  coloniz- 
ing the  free  people  of  color  of  the  United  States,”  have  had  the 
same  under  their  deliberate  consideration.  The  subject  is  of  such 
magnitude,  and  attended  with  so  many  difficulties,  it  is  with  much  dif- 
fidence they  present  their  views  of  it  to  the  House. 

Were  it  simply  a question  of  founding  a colony,  numerous  and 
well  known  precedents  show  with  what  facility  the  work  might  be 
accomplished.  Every  new  territor}^  established  by  our  government, 
constitutes,  indeed,  a colony,  formed  with  great  ease;  because  it  is 
only  an  extension  of  homogeneous  settlements.  But  in  contempla- 
ting the  colonization  of  the  free  people  of  colour,  it  seemed  obviouslv 
necessary  to  take  a difi^erent  course.  Their  distinct  character  and 
r elative  condition,  render  an  entire  separation  from  our  own  states 
and  territories  indispensable.  And  this  separation  must  be  such 
as  to  admit  of  an  indefinite  continuance.  Hence,  it  seems  manifest 
tliat  these  people  cannot  be  colonized  within  the  limits  of  the  United 
States.  If  they  were  not  far  distant,  the  rapidly  extending  settle- 
ments of  our  white  inhabitants  would  soon  reach  them;  and  the  evil 
now  felt  would  be  renewed;  probably  with  aggravated  mischief. 
Were  theVolony  to  be  remote,  it  must  be  planted  on  lands  now'  owned 
and  occupied  by  the  native  tribes  of  the  countr}'  And  could  a terri- 
tory be  purchased,  the  transporting  of  the  colonists  thither,  would  be 


4? 

vastly  expensive,  their  subsistence  for  a time  difficult,  and  a body  oj’ 
troops  would  be  required  for  their  protection.  And  after  all,  should 
these  difficulties  be  overcome,  the  original  evil  would  at  length  recur, 
by  the  extension  of  our  white  population;  In  the  mean  time,  should  ^ 

the  colony  so  increase  as  to  become  a nation,  it  is  not  difficult  to  j 

foresee  the  quarrels  and  destructive  wars  which  would  ensuej  espe-  t 

dally  if  the  slavery  of  people  of  color  should  continue,  and  accom-  | 

pany  the  whites  in  their  migrations. 

Turning  our  eyes  from  our  own  country,  no  other,  adapted  to 
the  colony  in  contemplation,  presented  itself  to  our  view,  nearer  than 
Africa,  the  native  land  of  negroes;  and  probably  that  is  the  only 
country  on  the  globe  to  which  it  would  be  practicable  to  transfer  our 
free  people  of  color  with  safety;  and  advantage  to  themselves  and 
the  civilized  world.  It  is  the  country  which,  in  the  order  of  Provi- 
dence, seems  to  have  been  appropriated  to  that  distinct  family  of 
mankind.  And  while  it  presents  the  fittest  asylum  for  the  free  peo- 
ple of  color,  it  opens  a wide  field  for  the  improvements  in  civilization, 
morals,  and  religion,  which  the  humane  and  enlightened  memorial- 
ists have  conceived  it  possible,  in  process  of  time,  to  spread  over 
that  great  continent. 

Should  the  measure  suggested  be  approved,  an  important  ques- 
tion occurs — In  what  way  shall  its  execution  be  essayed? 

A preliminary  step  would  be,  to  provide  for  the  perfect  neu- 
trality of  the  colony,  by  the  explicit  assent  and  engagement  of  all 
the  civilized  powers,  whatever  dissentions  may  at  any  time  arise 
among  themselves. 

The  next  important  question  is; — Will  it  be  expedient  to  attempt 
i the  establishment  of  a new  colony  in  Africa,  or  to  make  to  Great 

Britain  a proposal  to  receive  the  emigrants  from  the  United  States 
into  her  colony  of  Sierra  Leone  ? 

At  Sierra  Leone,  thefirst  difficulties  have  been  surmounted;  and  a 
few  free  people  of  color  from  theU.S.  have  been  admitted.  A gradual 
addition  from  the  same  source  (and  such  would-be  the  natural  progress) 
would  occasion  no  embarrassment,  either  in  regard  to  their  suste- 
nance or  government.  Would  the  British  government  consent  to  re- 
ceive such  an  accession  of  emigrants  however  eventually  considera- 
ble, from  the  United  States?  Would  that  government  agree  that  at 
the  period  when  that  colony  shall  be  capable  of  self-government  and 
i self-protection,  it  shall  be  declared  independent?  In  the  mean  time, 

will  it  desire  to  monopolize  the  commerce  of  the  colony?  This  would 
be  injurious  to  the  colonists,  as  well  as  to  the  LTnited  States.  Should 
that  country,  from  the  nature  of  its  soil  and  other  circumstances^, 
hold  out  sufficient  allurements,  and  draw  to  it,  from  the  United 
States,  the  great  body  of  the  free  people  of  colour,  these  would  form 
its  strength,  and  its  ability  to  render  its  commerce  an  object  of  con- 
' sideration.  Now  as  the  great  and  permanent  benefit  of  the  colonists^ 
was  the  fundamental  principles  of  the  establishment — will  the  British 
government  decline  a proposition  calculated  to  give  to  that  benefit 
the  important  extension  which  will  arise  from  a freedom  of  commerce? 

To  those,  at  least,  at  whose  expense,  and  by  whose  means,  the  co- 
lony, shall  be  essentially  extended?  Should  an  agreement  with  G. 

Britain  be  effected,  no  further  negotiation,  nor  any  extraordinary  ex-  J 

^ ^ ^ i 


IS 

penditure  of  money,  will  be  required.  The  work  already  commenced 
will  be  continued — simply  that  of  carrying  to  Sierra  Leone,  all  who 
are  willing  to  embark. 

It  would  seem  highly  desirable  to  confine  the  migrations  to  a 
single  colony.  The  two  distinct  and  independent  colonies,  estab- 
lished and  protected  by  two  independent  powers,  would  naturally 
imbibe  the  spirit  and  distinctions  of  their  patrons  and  protectors,  and 
put  injeopardy  the  peace  and  prosperity  of  both.  Even  the  simple 
fact  of  separate  independence,  would  eventually  tend  to  produce  col- 
fissions  and  wars  between  the  two  establishments,  (unless,  indeed, 
they  were  far  removed  from  each  other)  and  perhaps  defeat  the  fur- 
ther humane  and  exalted  views  of  those  who  projected  them.  The 
spirit  which  animated  the  founders  of  the  colony  of  Sierra  Leone, 
would  be  exerted  to  effect  a union  of  design,  and  the  cordial  co-opt> 
ration  of  the  British  government  with  o.ur  own;  and,  it  might  be  hop- 
ed, not  without  success.  Itwouldbein  accordance  with  the  spirit 
of  a stipulation  in  the  last  treaty  of  peace;  by  which  the  two  govern- 
ments stands  pledged  to  each  other,  to  use  their  best  endeavours  to 
effect  the  entire  abolition  of  the  traffick  in  slaves,  while  the  proposed 
institution  would  tend  to  diminish  the  quantity  of  slavery  actually 
existing. 

If,  how^ever,  such  enlarged  and  liberal  views  should  be  wanting, 
then  the  design  of  forming  a separate  colony  might  be  announced, 
by  the  American  ministers,  to  the  maritime  powers;  and  their  guar- 
antee of  the  neutrality  of  the  colony  obtained. 

Your  committee  do  not  think  it  proper  to  pursue  the  subject 
any  further  at  this  time;  but  that  the  government  should  wait  the 
result  of  the  suggested  negotiations;  on  which  ulterior  measures 
must  depend. 

In  conclusion,  your  committee  beg  leave  to  report  a joint  reso- 
.lution,  embracing  the  views  herein  before  exhibited. 

JOINT  RESOLUTION  for  abolishing  the  traffick  in  Slaves,  and 
the  Colonization  of  the  Free  People  of  Colour  of  the  United 
States.  February  11, 1817*  Read,  and  committed  to  a com- 
mittee of  the  whole  house  on  Monday  next. 

Resolved,  by  the  Senate  and  House  of  Representatives  of  the  U.  S. 
of  America,  in  Congress  assembled.  That  the  President  be,  and  he 
is  hereby  authorised  to  consult  and  negociate  with  all  the  govern- 
ments where  ministers  of  the  United  vStates  are,  or  shall  be  accredi- 
ted, on  the  means  of  effecting  an  entire  and  immediate  abolition  of 
the  traffick  in  slaves.  And,  also,  to  enter  into  a convention  with  the 
government  of  Great  Britain,  for  receiving  into  the  colony  of  Sierra 
Leone,  such  of  the  free  people  of  color  of  the  Lhiited  States  as,  with 
their  own  consent,  shall  be  carried  thither;  stipulating  such  terms  as 
shall  be  most  beneficial  to  the  colonists,  while  it  promotes  the  peace- 
ful interests  of  Great  Britain  and  the  Lmited  States.  And  should 
this  proposition  not  be  accepted,  then  to  obtain  from  Great  Britain, 
and  the  other  maritime  powers,  a stipulation,  or  a formal  declara- 
tion to  the  same  effect,  guarranteeing  a permanent  neutrality  for  any 
colony  of  free  people  of  color,  which,  at  the  expense  and  under  fhe. 


' 19 

auspices  of  the  United  States,  shall  be  established  on  the  African 
coast. 

Resolved,  That  adequate  provision  shall  hereafter  be  made  to 
defray  any  necessary  expenses  which  ma}'  be  incurred  in  carrying 
the  preceding  resolution  into  effect. 

It  is  doubtful  whether  the  preceding  report  will  be  acted  upon 
by  congress  this  session;  nor  can  we  decide  upon  the  course  which 
the  national  legislature  will  hereafter  pursue  relative  to  this  subject. 
The  friends,  liowever,  of  efforts  of  the  kind  proposed,  will  welcome 
this  commencement  of  a new  era  of  benevolent  exertions  in  behalf 
of  a depressed  and  needy  class  of  the  community.  It  is  hoped  that 
colonization  societies  will  be  formed  in  different  parts  of  our  country,^ 
and  that  whatever  interesting  information  may  be  collected,  relative 
to  this  subject,  tvill  be  forwarded  to  the  secretary  of  the  American 
Colonization  Society,  residing  in  this  city.  It  is  expected  that  a 
correspondence  will  be  soon  opened,  by  the  direction  of  the  society, 
with  certain  members  of  the  African  Institution  in  London,  and  with 
other  societies  and  individuals  in  different  places,  for  the  purpose  oj 
promoting  the  object  presented  to  the  public  in  this  pamphlet. 

THE  AFRICAN  SCHOOL. 

Tire  Synod  of  New  York  and  New  Jersey,  at  their  meeting  in, 
the  city  of  New  York,  October  last,  unanimously  resolved  to  ap- 
point a board  of  directors  to  establish  and  superintend  an  African 
school,  for  the  purpose  of  educating  young  men  of  color,  to  be  teach- 
ers and  preachers  to  people  of  color  within  these  states  and  else- 
where. ^ 

The  board  appointed  for  this  purpose  consists  of  six  ministers 
and  six  laymen, who  are  to  conduct  tlie  concerns  of  the  institution. 

The  Synod  taking  into  consideration  the  ignorant  and  vicious 
character  of  a greatpart  of  the  people,  of  colour  who  reside  witliin  the 
limits  of  the  L^nited  States,  amounting  to  a million  and  a half, 
who  are  in  a great  measure  destitute  of  tea,chers  and  preachers,  were 
led  to  believe  that  a very  happy  effect  might  be  produced  upon  the 
moral  and  religious  character,  of  very  man}’’  of  these  people,  by  the  es- 
tablishment of^the  school  proposed,  especially  in  our  cities  and  large 
towns,  where  schools  or  congregations  might  be  readily  collected,  and 
where  there  is  the  greatest  need  of  efforts  of  this  kind. 

The  Synod  were  induced  to  believe  that  before  a long  time  ef- 
forts would  be  made  to  provide  a place  for  the  settlement  of  free  peo- 
ple of  color  by  themselves,  either  in  this  country,  or  abroad;  in  tliis 
case  teachers  of  color  wouldbe  indispensably  necessary;  they  wished 
to  be  prepared  for  such  an  event.  They  had  in  view,  likewise,  the 
state  of  millions  of  pagans  in  Africa,  and  were  desirous  that  teachers 
should  be  raised  up  for  the  purpose  of  diffusing  light  and  knowledge 
throughout  that  vast  continent. 

The  following  remarks  are  from  the  printed  address  of  the  I3oard 
of  Directors  of  the  African  school. 

* A colonization  society,  auxiliary  to  the  one  formed  in  this  city,  has 
lately  been  organized  in  New  Jersey. 


■2fe 

By  computations  founded  on  the  last  information,  there  are  ia 
Africa  and  its  islands  twenty  millions  of  the  proper  negro  race,  be- 
sides thirty  millions  who  differ  from  them  more  or  less  in  complexion 
and  features.  There  are  supposed  to  be  a million  and  a half  of  the 
same  people  in  the  United  Slates;  and  a million  and  a half  more 
may  be  reckoned  for  the  Floridas,  JMexico,  South  America,  and  the 
West  India  Islands,  to  say  nothing  of  New  G uiana.  Here  then  is  a 
vast  world  of  twenty  three  millions  of  souls,  (besides  the  thirty  mil- 
lions before  mentioned;)  a population  equal  to  that  of  the  United 
States.  Great  Britain,  Ireland,  Sweden,  and  Denmark  united. 

Though  we  are  fully  persuaded  that  to  the  end  of  the  world 
there  will  remain  different  orders  in  society,  it  cannot  be  supposed 
that  so  considerable  a portion  of  the  human  race,  consisting  of  so  ma- 
ny independent  nations,  and  occupying  the  greater  part  of  one  of  the 
four  quarters  of  the  globe,  are  always  to  be  regarded  as  made  only 
for  slaves,  or  are  to  be  excluded  from  the  blessings  of  Christianity  and 
civilization  during  the  approaching  period  of  the  millennium.  In  those 
days  which  are  yet  to  come,  and  which  are  even  now  at  the  door,  the 
descendants  of  Ham.  we  are  bound  to  believe,  will  attain  to  an  ele- 
vation and  dignity  wdiich  will  do  away  the  memory  of  their  past  dis- 
grace, and  give  them  a rank  among  the  polished  nations  of  Europe 
and  America. 

If  Africa  is  to  stand  forth  in  the  glor\^  of  Christianity  and  ci- 
vilization, her  owm  sons,  and  notthe  sons  of  strangers,  must  be  the 
instructors  of  her  youth,  and  her  ministers  of  religion.  No  nation 
wdll  ever  advance  for  in  any  improvement  but  by  the  instrumentality 
of  her  own  children.  Strangers  may  make  a beginning,  but  stran- 
gers cannot  continue  to  support  her  schools  and  her  churches.  To 
sustain  such  a weight  at  arm’s  length,  would  exhaust  both  patience 
and  power.  History  presents  no  instance  of  the  kind.  Apostles  and  f 

missionaries  may  j)ass  over  a country,  but  native  teachers  must  fin- 
ish the  work.  Soil  was  in  primitive  times.  So  it  was  in  every  coun- 
try of  Europe  wUen  it  received  the  Christian  faith.  So  it  is  in  India 
at  the  present  day.  The  debilitated  and  jetty  Hindoos  prolong  and 
extend  the  order  which  European  missionaries  have  established. 

To  say  that  Africans  are  not  competent  to  become  teachers  and 
preachers,  is  therefore  to  say  that  one  quarter  of  the  world  is  never 
to  support  a Christian  Church.  And  why  is  this  said:  Are  not  the 

coloured  people  of  these  States  as  competent  for  such  offices  as  Hot- 
tentots, many  of  whom  are  now  proclaiming  to  their  countrymen  the 
unsearchable  riches  of  Christ.  i 

If  Africa  must  have  African  teachers  and  preachers,  w'ho  shall 
prepare  them  but  the  Christian  world?  Africa  has  no  science  to  com- 
municate; Africa  has  no  religion  to  impart.  For  the  present,  and 
for  a considerable  time  to  come;  she  must  be  a passive  receiver,  and 
Christian  nations  must  convey  to  her  the  light  and  grace.  If  any  of 
her  children  are  taught,  and  made  competent  to  intrust  their  coun- 
trymen, European  or  American  benevolence  must  teach  them.  We 
must  begin  the  series  of  a gospel  rainistr}’  that  shall  perpetuate  it- 
self among  the  tribes  of  that  vast  continent. 

This  work  plainly  devolves  on  America  rather  than  Europe, 
for  two  reasons:  First,  the  great  mass  of  the  transported  Afri- 


tians  are  here.  Allowing  that  there  are  thirty  thousand  dispersed 
through  the  different  nations  of  Europe,  the  number  in  the  United 
States  alone,  compared  to  that  in  all  Europe,  is  as  fifty  to  one.  Here 
this  vast  mass  is  concentrated;  there  the  small  number  are  thinly 
scattered  over  different  countries,  and  lost  in  an  overwhelming  pop- 
ulation. Our  advantages  to  make  selections  are  to  those  enjoyed 
by  any  nation  in  Europe  as  two  or  three  hundred  to  one.  And  our 
chances  to  find  proper  subjects  are  still  greater.  Here  special  atten- 
tion ma}'^  be  easily  directed  to  form  the  African  character;  there  the 
attempt  is  almost  impossible.  Perhaps  in  no  district  in  Europe 
could  an  African  school  or  congregation  be  collected;  either  of  these 
might  be  done  in  almost  any  neighborhood  south  of  New  England,^' 
and  even  in  the  large  towns  of  that  part  of  the  U/lion.  No  spot  on 
earth  is  so  well  fitted  for  the  sublime  and  effort,  as  that  on 
which  we  dwell.  Secondly,  no  portion  of  the  ^rld  is  so  deeply  in- 
debted to  Africa  as  this  Western  Continent  and  its  islands.  This  is 
the  prison  which  has  received  all  her  captiv^e  sons.  America  is  the 
only  civilized  country  in  which  slavery  is  allowed.  Though  some  of 
the  Christian  nations  of  Europe  tolerate  it  in  their  American  colonies, 
not  one  of  them,  it  is  believed,  admit  it  in  the  parent  state. 

The  Board  at  present  have  no  funds,  and  for  these  they  cast 
themselves  on  the  charity  of  a compassionate  public,  making  their 
appeal  especially  to  those  whose  hearts  are  penetrated  with  the  love 
of  Christ.  The  tears  of  Africa  will  not  plead  in  vain.  The  injunc- 
tions of  a Saviour  will  not  be  heard  in  vain.  They  only  add,  that 
any  donations  conveyed  to  their  Treasurer,  Joseph  C,  Plorn- 
blower  esq.  of  Newark,  will  be  gratefully  acknowledged. 

The  Board  hope  to  be  ready  to  receive  application  for  young 
men  without  delay,  and  will  be  thankful  for  notices  of  proper  charac- 
ters from  any  part  of  the  Union.  Applicants  must  possess  respectable 
talents,  sound  discretion,  undoubted  piety,  be  able  to  read  and  write, 
and  come  well  recommended.  Correspondents  will  please  to  direct 
their  letters,  except  those  w’hich  contain  donations,  to  the  secretary 
•ojf  the  Board,’’  the  Rev,  Edward  D.  Griffin,  Newark,  N.  Jersey. 

BRIEF  SKETCH  OF  SIERRA  LEONE,  IN  1814. 

Sierra  Leone  is  a country  on  the  western  coast  of  Africa,  lying 
betw'een  7 and  10  degrees  N.  latitude.  A river  of  the  same  name 
passes  through  it,  nearly  in  the  centre.  The  land  on  the  banks  of 
the  river,  for  a considerable  distance,  is  peculiarly  fertile,  and  fur- 
nishes a soil  well  adapted  to  the  cultivation  of  cotton,  rice,  sugar, 
and  most  of  the  other  tropical  productions.  The  heat  of  the  cli- 
mate is  moderated  by  regular  breezes  from  the  sea,  and  is  found  in 
a ^'ood  degree  congenial  to  American  and  fluropean  constitutions. 

This  colony  was  established  in  1791,  under  the  direction  of 
the  Sierra  Leone  Company  in  London.  The  design  of  the  company 
was  to  cultivate  the  lands,  to  open  a trade  with  that  country,  and 
gradually  to  civilize  and  improve  the  Africans.  The  first  settlers 
were  about  200  w hites  and  a number  of  free  blacks  from  Nova  Sco- 
tia. They  commenced  the  building  of  a town,  called  Freetown,  on 
the  banks  of  the  Sierra  Leone,  divided  the  land  into  lots  to  each  in- 
dividual, and  thus  laid  the  basis  of  a prosperous  colony.  The  nar 


22 

tives  were  friendly,  and  in  less  than  .three  years  the  schools  were- 
regularly  attended  by  more  than  three  hundred  children.  But  un- 
happily a reverse  of  fortune  awaited  them;  their  fair  prospects  were 
obscured,  and  their  reasonable  expectations  defeated.  In  1/94,  a 
French  squadron,  contrary  to  implied  promise,  and  with  wanton 
cruelty,  attacked  the  colony,  dispe/sed  the  inhabitants,  captured  the 
vessels,  plundered  and  burnt  the  houses.  The  colony  has  since  been 
taken  under  the  care  of  the  English  government,  and  is  now  in  a 
flourishing  state. 

In  1811  the  population  in  the  colony  amounted  to  about  2000, 
exclusive  of  several  hundred  natives,  wdio  had  emigrated  from,  the 
adjacent  country,  and  w’ere  hired  by  the  colonists  as  labourers.  The 
emigrants  have  probably  been  enrolled  in  ^he  list  of  citizens.  The 
present  population, |Jprefore,  may  be  a,bout  3000. 

. There  is  a disposition  among  the  colonists  generally,  to  encou- 
rage new  settlers  who  come  among  them,  either  to  cultivate  the  land, 
or  engage  in  commercial  pursuits. 

The  principal  employment  of  the  people  is  agriculture.  The 
productions  of  the  soil  abundantly  reward  their  labor.  It  is  believ- 
ed that  coffee,  rice  and  cotton  have  become  articles  of  exportation. 
Rewards  have  been  proposed  to  encourage  their  cultivation.  This 
ten.ls  to  excite  an  honorable  emulation  among  the  citizens  and  t» 
promote  among4hem  habits  of  industry,  and  a spirit  of  enterprizc. 

The  education  of  children  is  a subject  of  particular  attention. 
There  are  a number  of  schools  in  tlie  colony,  one  of  which  is  design- 
ed for  the  instruction  of  adults,  the  others  for  children.  The  present 
number  of  children  in  the  colony  exceeds  1000.  Most  of  these  are 
placed  in  the  schools,  and  instructed  in  all  the  necessary  branches  of 
education.  Separate  schools  are  assigned  to  the  boys  and  to  the 
girls,  ^reat  order  is  preserved.  Here  they  are  not  only  initiated 
in  the  rudiments  of  literature,  but  in  this  state  of  discipline  are  taught 
tiie  important  practical  lessons  of  obedience,  subjection,  sobriet}', 
and  industry.  Here  are  laid  the  stamina  of  their  characters;  here 
arc  formed  their  dispositions,  habits,  and  principles;  and  here,  in  a 
great  degree,  rest  the  future  hopes  and  prospects  of  the  colony. 

The  state  of  religious  instruction  also  clcsei'ves  notice.  They 
have  six  places  for  public  worshiji,  where  the  people  generally  and 
regularly  assemble.  Tlie  hours  for  public  worship  on  the  Sabbath 
are  5 and  10  in  tlie  morning,  and  2 and  6 in  the  evening;  other  reli- 
gious meetings,  during  the  w'cek,  are  usually  attended  at  5 in  the 
morning  and  6 in  the  evening. 

Several  years  ago  a society  -was  established  in  the  colony 
among  the  people  of  color  for  the  promotion  of  tlie  Christian  reli- 
gion. We  have  before  us  a copy  of  one  of  their  addresses  to  the  re- 
ligious public,  which  we  should  be  happy  to  insert  would  our  limits 
fiermit.  It  breathes  a spirit  of  fervent  piety.  They  express  grati- 
tude for  their  mercies,  lament  the  miser3'  and  degradation  of  their 
African  brethren,  complain  of  the  slave  trade,  and  tinally  exhort  their 
brethren  to  confide  in  that  Being  whose  government  and  providence 
are  universal. 

Another  favorable  trait  in  the  cliaracter  of  the  colonv’,  is  the  ex- 
is'tence  of  a society  for  the  relief  of  the  poor  and  infirm.  Tbr^  w4fs 


jiietituted  in  1810;  the  Governor  is  its  patron,  and  the  principal  gen- 
tlemen in  the 'colony  are  anfong  its  active  members.  The  society  is 
under  good  regulations,  and  is  calculated  to  be  eminently  useful;  its 
good  effects  on  the  dispositions  and  manners  of  the  Africans  can  be 
«asily  imagined. 

The  civil  state  of  the  colony  next  invites  attention.  There  are 
ffve  courts  in  the  colony,  viz.  the  court  of  quarter  sessions,  the  may- 
or'^s  court,  the  court  of  requests,  the  police  court,  and  the  court  of 
vice  admiralty.  The  court  of  quarter  sessions  meets  quarterly;  the 
governor  presides  as  judge;  the  jury  consists  of  twelve  men  selected 
promiscuously  from  the  Europeans  and  the  people  of  colour.  The 
mayor's  court  meets  quarterly.  The  court  of  requests  meets  weekly; 
its  power  is  limited  to  the  trial  of  persons  for  debts  not  exceeding  two 
pounds.  The  police  court  meets  w^eekly:  their  business  is  conlined 
to  the  trial  of  persons  for  disorderly  conduct.  The  court  of  vice- 
admiralty is  held  whenever  occasion  may  require.  > 

The  colonists  are  governed  entirely  by  British  law,  are  usually^ 
quiet  and  peaceable,  and  are  disposed  to  abide  by  the  decisions  of 
their  civil  magistrates. 


From  the  single  river  of  Sierra  Leone,  the  imports  into  Great 
Britain  were  nearly,  and  the  exports  to  the  same  river  fully,  equal 
to  the  imports  and  exports,  exclusive  of  the  slave  trade  of  the 
whole  extent  of  the  western  coast  of  Africa,  prior  to  the  abolition  of 
that  traffic.* 

There  w^as  a society  established  in  the  colony  in  1812,  by  the 
name  of  the  Friendly  Society.  This  society  opened  a correspond- 
ence with  the  African  Institution  in  London.  An  intercourse  was 
also  kept  up  between  the  Societies,  in  order  to  encourage  the  African 
settlers  with  a good  market  for  their  produce.  The  Friendly  Society 
commenced  with  90/.  sterling.  In  the  spring  of  18l6,  the  society  was 
worth  1200/.  sterling. 

Early  in  the  winter  of  1815,  about  thirty  people  of  colour  left 
Boston  with  a view  of  settling  themselves  in  the  British  colony  at  Si- 
erra Leone,  in  Africa.  The  vessel  in  which  they  sailed  was  the  pro- 
perty and  under  the  command  of  the  celebrated  Paul  Cuffee.  Capt. 
Cuffee  has  returned  to  this  countr}’,  and  brings  letters  from  the  em- 
igrants to  their  friends  and  benefactors.  We  have  seen  one  of  the 
letters  dated  April,  1816.  It  states  that  they  all  arrived  safe  at  Sier- 
ra Leone,  after  a passage  of  55  days,  and  were  welcomed  by  all  in  the 
colony.  The  place  is  represented  as  “ good.*'  They  have  fruits  of 
all  kinds,  and  at  all  seasons  of  the  year.  The  governor  gave  each 
family  a lot  of  land  in  the  town,  and  fifty  acres  of  good  land’’  in 
the  country,  or  more  in  proportion  to  their  families.  Their  land  in 
the  country  is  about  two  miles  from  town.  They  have  plenty  of  rice 
and  corn,  and  all  other  food  that  is  good.  There  were  five  churches 
in  the  colony,  and  a number  of  schools,  in  one  of  which  there  were  15© 
t>male  Africans,  who  are  taught  to  read  the  w’ord  of  Ged*" 


* Ninth  report  nf  the  African  lTT5tItati®n. 


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